Marcus Mariota shines on Letterman

Joe Namath Backs Mark Sanchez, Says No To Peyton Manning On Jets

There's a growing sentiment in the tri-state area that Peyton Manning should be the next quarterback of the New York Jets, but that sentiment is far from unanimous. Jets legend Joe Namath says the team should stick with Mark Sanchez, according to Metro New York.

“These guys -- the Jets -- thought Sanchez was a championship quarterback," Namath said. "Has that suddenly changed now? I haven’t heard that. Let them come out and say it. I haven’t heard that, and I don’t think they should.”

Sanchez completed just 56.7 percent of his passes last season and threw 18 interceptions, leading to a disappointing 2011. The Jets went 8-8 and missed the playoffs for the first time in Sanchez's career.

But Namath wants to stick with Sanchez, who was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2009 draft and led the Jets to two AFC title games in his first two seasons.

“Mark’s going to be around a while," the former QB said. "His demeanor was angry last year with all the things going on behind the scenes. His feelings were clearly hurt. I hope they work through all that because I’m rooting for him. I don’t see Peyton coming to the Jets."